S. D. Smith: Boys Will Only Read Silly Books? No!
Boys Will Only Read Silly Books? No! I think boys NEED stories, says author S. D. Smith.
We all can agree that helping boys fall in love with good stories is a noble aim.
What is ONE suggestion you have for helping? It can be a book, a habit, a rule, a sneaky scheme—what are you doing that helps engage the young boys you love in reading excellent stories?
You May Also Like:
My favorite trick is the one that worked on me: an early bedtime, with a rule that reading can continue for 30-45 minutes after tuck-in.
For me it was a 7:30 (in bed between 7:30-8pm) bedtime followed by “reading time” if I was not tired until 8:30. I soon was in bed at 7:30 every night so I could get as much reading time as possible. I didn’t understand what my parents were doing until years later.
I have introduced this with my second grader on weekends and she was proud and excited that she was given this privileged. She used it to make some progress on the Chronicles of Narnia, which she is reading for herself for the first time (I read them with her about a year ago).
YES!
Our family tries to encourage reading in many different ways, we do engaging read alouds, Bible reading time that means everyone gets a turn reading and they receive very intentional praise for their efforts and growth, audio books in the car, bed time reading with a fun book light, and every summer I have a book reading challenge, and I make it worth while. Think $1 per book. We also have a required 30 minutes a day of reading which has actually helped some of my reluctant readers discover that they actually do like reading… I have one girl and three boys and they all love books.
I have had to learn that my boys don’t enjoy just any book though, whereas my daughter is happy to read anything. My boys need fun pictures to see, exciting cliff hangers and adventure or danger, and yes some humor.
I am always on the look out for living, wholesome books from word of mouth, book lists, and trusted sources like beautiful feet books.
The ‘unlikely homeschool’ blog has so many great recommendations as well.
Ultimately I think doing a variety of different ways of reading, and reading to them a lot at a young age matters, letting them pick ones that seem interesting to them and always having good books out and around is so encouraging.
One suggestion: to help with boys who struggle to sit still but still need these inspiring stories, give the boy a piece of gum. The chewing sensation (oddly) helps concentration. Addressing physical barriers to reading is really important!
Family read a loud! And I agree with Jim…a bedtime extended reading privilege!
I’ve had a lot of success with reading stories to them. Then afterwards, they want to read it themselves!
I think that boys need to be outside and sweating! Even Thomas Jefferson thought that the best job a classical thinker could have was to be a farmer because he could read deeply and then ponder as he sweats over the brow! The back side of a horse is good for the inside of a man and when my boys work hard on the ranch, they are eager for some good rest. They are more ready to come in and find a good book. I also think that giving them good books that are hard is important. C. S. Lewis said that for every modern book, we should read at least 10 old books, how much more is that true now? Lastly, I think examples are extremely important…do they see you endlessly scrolling on your phone or reading a good book?
Very good point about the phone!
Thanks Sam! I LOVE your passion for boys. I wholeheartedly agree that boys need more than just silly stories. I have four boys of my own (ages 8-14). When I started writing the Dragon Slayer Bible Series, my passion was to get boys excited about reading the Bible, while channeling their God-given desire for battles, adventure and purpose. Many people assume that boys have a short attention span, so you can only teach them about God in small, bite-sized chunks. However, I don’t think that’s true. My boys can sit for hours, listening to me read an engaging STORY. So that was my goal in the Dragon Slayer Bible Series. Using stories to get pre-teen boys excited about the Bible!
I’ll echo what I’ve already seen here—reading great books aloud to them is key! We are also letting our son read at night after being tucked in and it seems like the reading bug has really caught on lately. I also think that having a short time in the afternoon (sporadically) this summer, about 15-20 minutes of independent reading, outside, with a snack has helped as well. My 8 yr old son and 5 year old daughter were both enthralled with The Green Ember as a read aloud earlier this summer!
Reading out loud Classics, Biographies, and other great books that develop character. I have found that this has helped my children (especially my boy!) desire to read great books! I am passionate about helping young people in our culture develop deep roots and strong character. Great books are paving the way!
I’m a fan of asking open ended questions. By the time my younglings could read OTO, they could and wanted to tell me about it. I asked questions like, “Does this remind you of any other book or story you have read?” and, “How would [Jonathan, Jesus, Moses, King David etc] have responded to [key element they are describing]?”
This is not just for boys. I find grown up men like husbands appreciate it, too… I know for sure wives like it, if you have the TIME, lol. 🙂
Another vote for read alouds! If they balk at reading it to themselves, then I’m putting it on my list to read aloud:)
We do reading time before bedtime for our kids, but I think the most important thing is to have a variety of good books available and time for them to get bored. We also do read-alouds and audiobooks, and older kids reading to younger kids as part of our homeschool curriculum.
We are finite creatures, not infinite like God. Therefore we have to choose how to spend our time. Saying yes to one thing means no to other things. Our “Nos” make a lot of room for our “Yeses”: No phones, video games, no screen time, no tv, no “educational” games, only movies with the family on special occasions. We read aloud as a family every night (we have two teens and two elementary age kids). I also read aloud during the day. And every afternoon during rest time, our boys read 1-2 hours, mandatory. We say for rest time, you can read, think, pray, or sleep. Most often reading is chosen. Having books in the bathroom, books in the hall way, books in their rooms, books everywhere, helps too. Our kids love reading and often beg for more chapters. (They also play outside a ton, serve at our church, take care of goats, chickens, their own gardens, play soccer, play multiple instruments, love to write or tinker, and oldest has an outside job. Lest you think they are naturally bookworms; they aren’t. We cultivated a culture of reading along with a family culture of music, loving and serving others, time outside, etc.)
My son also receives the bed time reading privilege, but he leans very hard into graphic novels. He rereads the same ones over because there are not a lot I approve of. Encouraging his love of reading even a graphic novel has been successful as he checked out The Hobbit from the library and even read the first few chapters, but the book became too overwhelming. We will be rereading the Ember Series this new school year as a family, but I am forever on the hunt for graphic novels that are appropriate and not twaddle for my growing reader.
We also allowed an extended bedtime for reading for our boys (who happen to be our eldest pair) and did plenty of family read alouds. We purchased and made available plenty of books that were about heroes and strong leaders. Our children lived in dramas and delighted in dressing in costume to march around the house or play in woods when we happened to live near them. As a military family, we drew them into service both at church and at unit events so that even in daily life, they know they are part of something bigger than themselves, even if it isn’t adventurous or glamorous. As we’ve moved and lived, we always remind them of the truth of the bigger Story we are a part of and that the Author is always at work, providing and calling us.
Reading the first two or three chapters of a story together to get him hooked and then handing him the book to finish on his own.
Ditto the bedtime reading, but I tied it to age and ability. So, in order to stay up reading at all, they needed to read their first chapter book. Each of my six did this by 6yo. When they finished their first set (for my kids this was the first 12 Boxcar Children books) they got an extra half hour. As they grew, reading time extended. My oldest, 15yo male, still goes to bed at 8:00pm and reads until midnight every night. The downside, I have my own library taking up half a large room in the basement and have spent an embarrassing amount on overdue library fines.
Also, I read to them. We start our bedtime routine at 7:00pm. I read three chapters from the Bible, then I read one or two chapters from a book. This is how all of my kids first experienced the Green Ember series. They all, of course, read them in their own later, but I wouldn’t let them read them until I had already read them aloud. They have experienced countless good books this way; by listening to me read them first.
When I had my son I was desperate for stories that depicted boys as positive role models. Luckily, I had a librarian friend who could recommend some great stories and one of our favorites (beside the Green Ember series!) is True Blue Scouts of the Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Applelt. However….this is one book that I HIGHLY recommend you listen to first before reading. The narrator is Lyle Lovett and his voice and expression makes this story jump out of its pages!!! My son(16yo) and I still enjoy listening to this story together.
Family read aloud at bedtime! All the books. LOTS of Christian fiction and stories to make us brave 💗
I also, sneaky-like, find out what genre my boys like to read, then supply the appropriate books. For example, I have one kid who loves fantasy so I recently added about a dozen fantasies to our library. He is devouring them.
One kid loves medieval fantasies, but also loves witty books with a touch of magic (think: Lemony Snicket or Incorrigible Children) so we have those available. This kid also loves graphic novels – working on that.
One kid is like his momma and reads anything between to covers. If he asks to read something, I say yes unless I have a really good reason not to.
One kid likes exciting books, but is not a big reader. He has enjoyed a few Christian thrillers and some pretty awesome fantasies. He also loves Calvin and Hobbes, which expands his vocabulary while being an entertaining example of what not to do.
My youngest two don’t hold still well, so we do lots of books with pictures and rhyme (currently Prince Martin).
Audiobooks while they build Lego, draw, do activity books, set up action figures, etc. Keep the hands busy and they will listen for hours.
We had story time every night – each boy would pick a book and we would read (and they did love the silly ones but I did get them to sit and listen to the hobbit which they still love as teens). And then books on CD – they could listen as they fell asleep and then they would often put them on during the day playing legos and listening to stories. Good times. 🙂
I have 3 preteen/teen boys that LOVE to read but I’ll admit it took work. We consistently read aloud and encourage audio books. We only ask for 10min of reading in the morning but we also read in front of them during that time and anytime we can throughout the day. We talk about what we (the adults) are reading and ask them about their books. We try to make it obvious that it is something we value. (Reading in the morning also makes them want to pick up their book later in the day!) The hardest thing we’ve done is limit screen time. For years we have only had an occasional family movie night and 30min of video game time a week but we have always explained why we do this. Our kids also do not have cell phones. Recently we shared data we learned about the detriments of video games and social media to the developing brain and as a family we’ve decided to sell our console and take a family vacation with the money. We love video games (all of us) but we love books and our brains more. We didn’t get here overnight and it takes work and sacrifice as a parent but it is worth it as we are seeing it pay off!!
– Provide lots of books. I love books and wanted my kids to as well, so I’ve made purchasing them a priority as well as storing them. Since they were little, they’ve always gotten a small stack of books for Christmas and birthdays that i know they’ll love. I also have a few desired books mixed in my prize box.
– Be so very careful in the quality of books they’re given. What we consume is what we become. I’ve found that what’s popular frequently is not what i want my kids to emulate. I spend hours reading reviews and scouring book lists to provide my kids with books that will shape them into people of integrity and kindness. I buy classics as well as newly published books, fiction and nonfiction.
– Audiobooks. When we’re in the car for longer trips we always have a great audiobook to turn to. Again, this takes work on my part to find something that will not only appeal to the masses, but be inspiring. They will frequently listen to old books on their own on their Alexia.
– Purchase books by both male and female authors. I’ve got teenage boys and found that in general, they like how men write better. There’s more doing and less description. But female authors are fabulous too and are important for my young girls. Having a variety is good for everyone.
– As a homeschooling mom, I found I could assign a book a week for each kid to read. We do this year round, as summer is a great time to read. They know they have to get it done by Friday before they get screentime. In addition, if they finish it before lunch on Friday, they get an extra reward. This has solved so much! They can read what they want besides this, but I’m able to ensure they are reading books on grade level AND that they’re reading a book they might not chose on their own.
We have quality literature at their fingertips, and we also have them at a school using Great Books. Our kids can stay up late if they’re reading or writing, but that’s the only exception. My son (entering 6th gr.) read 11 novels this summer! (Including Ember Falls)
1. We started reading chapter books aloud when my boys were 2 years old. My pediatrician recommended starting with Charlotte’s Web & it was a hit. Their little minds crave information so fill it with good books. Audiobooks were also a wonderful addition. You can also follow up the book/Audiobook with the movie & compare & contrast when applicable.
2. We limited our T.V. time to shows that were educational or uplifting & watched 4 out of the 7 days a week.
3. We made going to the library a weekly habit
4. We select books with topics our boys love. One loves animals the other loves anything that moves so we searched for books that fit that category. They both love adventure & Green Ember is still their top favorite series.
5. Let your boys see YOU read books. As an adult we can get so busy that reading takes a backseat. But children tend to mimic what they see so pick a great book & start! (Hint you can even read a children’s series)
6. Strewing (setting out books around the house that you selected for them) is a great way to get their curiosity going….let them pick them up when they see them.
7. Don’t be afraid of graphic novels & Audiobooks if you have a reluctant reader. Even my strong readers love them. They have great illustrations just search for the quality options.
Get rid of the TV and Internet for kids! We did, we watch a movie a weekend – that is all. We raised 11 kids who love to read and write their own stories and plays. If you do nothing but unplug- kids will read. Guaranteed
We have a morning routine (he’s a very early riser…when no one else is fully alive yet) of listening to audiobooks while I drink my tea. He plays with Lego or we snuggle or sit by the fire in the winter. We’ve listened to the entire Narnia, LOTR, Green Ember, Penderwicks, series, just to name a few. We are currently working on the entire Ranger’s Apprentice series. It has been such a source of bonding for us, but also gives me time to prep dinner, make breakfast or work on my bullet journal once I “wake up” more. My Audible subscription has been the best way to really get my little man loving stories!!!
When my four children were young, we read to them every night and then discussed what was read. Now that my kids are grown, I write middle-grade fantasy novels with boys in mind, providing characters who learn about courage, responsibility, and family love. And my oldest son, a reluctant reader who mostly read graphic novels as a boy, illustrates the books. (I definitely consider that a win!)
I started with my sons, reading to them when they were little. In the end I wound up reading them the Hobbit and finally the Lord of the Rings. They are grown and both love to read. Now I have gifted the entire Green Ember series (one at a time) to my oldest grandson and he devoured them. I’m starting another grandson on the series now. All my grandchildren have loved watching the Wingfeather Saga on Angel, and two of them are now reading the books. I can’t agree with you more. Boys need great stories.
1. Stories/picture books at bedtime from birth and audiobooks as they play
2. Picture books in bed not toys to encourage curiosity
3. Read aloud at bedtime as a family when get older
4. Solo reading time in bed for 30-45min
5. Avoiding graphic novels as an option to read in early years (some are well done but rely on pictures too much)
6. Audiobooks as a family on car rides and have set amounts of media/movie time that are less than the length of the trip (example: a 5 hour trip gets one movie in car)
7. As kids get older and more specific about styles of lit they enjoy (my oldest loves fantasy/adventure) offer an incentives to make their literature choices more diverse. My two oldest got a financial incentive to read full length Les Mis. In middle school. They ended up loving it and got to go out to lunch with dad to discuss it.
8. Read the same series at same time as they get older and make it a fun meal out.
These are some of the methods we have used and so far have had our most resistant readers love reading
When our oldest son was around 10 or 11, I wanted to help him reach higher on the shelf, so to speak, so I gave him a summer reading challenge: 20 books of my choice, and if he finished all of them, he got $100. I gave him a couple “byes” to trade out a book for another book (of my choice) if he got into it and hit a wall. We’ve been doing this every summer since, varying the number of books based on length as I continue to challenge them. This year our 17yo finished Les Mis, and our 13yo is reading the whole LotR series.
Worth. Every. Penny.
We give points for finished books. The lower the child’s grade/reading-ability the more points they get for finishing a book. For instance, for finishing Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker my 4th grader got 20 points, my 6th grader got 15, and my 7th grader got 10. Easier books also get less points. If I really want them to read a certain book I might give it more points. When they reach 50 points they have earned a Dairyqueen blizzard (or two books from thriftbooks).
Bedtime at 7:30, but readers can stay out with mom & dad for reading hour. Then once in bed, I provide reading lights and allow them to stay up later reading in bed.
I try to stock the shelves with both fiction and nonfiction that would pique their interests. I try to pay attention to what they are interested in. Even if they mostly want to see the pictures of war ships in the book of war ships of the world, it’s still worth it if they might read some of the stats about their favorite ship. I found a super fun series of treasures of the world. Beautifully bound books with full color pictures of amazing treasures of the ancient kingdoms. And they are old so they are cheap used!
I will read half books out loud and leave it on the shelf for them to finish if interested. We listen to audiobooks in the car. Mom and dad both love to read! And during reading hour we like to share funny or interesting parts of our books, so reading becomes a community thing too.
~Danielle
Mom of 5 boys in WV
Our children loved bedtime and daytime stories throughout their younger years. The love of reading was fostered early on.
Now, with stories inspired by two of our adult children’s families, Nana me wrote and illustrated a book for each. Both sets of grandchildren were involved in the the story processes, and were thrilled seeing books just for them. I could hardly keep up with their story ideas, and loved inspiring them to write, too.
One set of grands and I read the whole Green Ember series together, and both families own their copies.
Thank you, Sam, for blazing a trail. And demonstrating the fun of reading, and writing books! Blessings in every way!
I hope it’s okay to share my titles here:
Little Bit in the Great Wide Forest (a collection of short stories about a squirrel
and his forest friends dealing with childhood challenges…designed for discussion between parents and their younger pre- and grade-school children).
Buckie the Bull and Other Short Stories (about children and farm animals learning about emotions and God’s transforming care…5th grade reading level).
Magnolia’s Run (a teen and young adult novel about walking through painful walls with God) is soon to be released.
It seems Nana’s still writing for the grands!
With our son we followed the Bunnicula rule. On Friday night he could stay up as late as he wanted as long as he was reading. He looked forward to Friday night all week. He’s now about to turn 18 and is a strong, voracious reader.
John Flanagan and Roland Smith are two secular authors who write wonderful books for boys.
Family Read Alouds where we read all kinds of books. But also fairy tales. Not the disneyfied version but the read fairy tale books. We’ve read the Blue Fairy BOok and my boys (and girl, of course) love it. We are on to the Red Fairy Book now. They want the entire set!
Read alouds here as well.
For trying a new book, they have to read the first 3-5 chapters, then can stop if not interested. It’s a great way to get them to try books that don’t seem interesting or don’t like the cover.
Series recommendation for boys: Redwall. So fun, and great for Green Ember fans. (Mice with swords)
Dad reading aloud. Mom too but I think it’s especially helpful for boys to see Dad reading aloud and quietly too, and not from a phone.
Homeschool mom of four boys here!! 🙋🏼♀️
We do audiobooks at bedtime. The boys feel like they get to ‘stay up’ later when they get to listen to audiobooks after they are in bed for the night.
We also like to pick books with a motivating buy-in (getting to watch the movie after it is read, getting to have a special dessert tied to the book, etc.). My husband and I also try to make sure they SEE us reading and listening to books in our free time!
It began for our boys with The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop. We discussed what we’re the requirements of knights and listened to King Arthur audio stories by Jim Weiss. In our Bibles we read the true stories of David and his mighty men. We read the fall of Samson. In our family, a young man receives his first sword at age 7 (a real leather Bible with no pictures) and a whittled, small, wooden sword to wear under your clothes, around your neck, from Dad at your “page” ceremony. By the 14th year (squire ceremony), my boys knew from conversations with their dad mostly, what was a man after God’s heart. To become a knight also has its own requirements.
My sons found encouragement in the books The Mars Diaries and Cyberquest by Sigmund Brouwer, The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop and others.
Thank you for writing with inspiration in mind!
Kasey
I’m going to try a third time to post my comment; I’m thinking my first two tries were swallowed by your spam filter somehow. My thought (one of many):
Example, example, example. If in addition to reading aloud to their children, parents prioritize their own reading (where the children can see them), the odds of rearing enthusiastic readers (male and female) skyrocket. This goes for grandparents and older siblings, too. Parents who expect their children to read but aren’t themselves avid readers are at a distinct disadvantage. I’m afraid fathers are often especially guilty of this.
For boys who have a hard time sitting still, I give a piece of gum to chew. Oddly enough, the chewing sensation helps concentration. Address physical barriers to reading is important!